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Post by leadbelly on Jun 21, 2022 9:31:17 GMT -8
This is not an anti-Garmin post, the unit (GPSMap 60CSx) was quite old and served me well for a very long time.
I really don't want to replace it. I found a nice free app from hikingproject.com that has what I'm looking for in the short run, and I'm already very familiar with the trails I'll be hiking in a few weeks.
for those who use their smart phones for mapping:
-any persistent issues with functionality in the mountains? my short-term need is the White Mountains/presidentials in New Hampshire.
-For well-marked trails, does anyone really miss having a dedicated GPS if they have a map backed up by a smart phone app?
thanks.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Jun 21, 2022 13:49:05 GMT -8
Probably the one backup I’d suggest from my own travel experience is a battery backup. I’ve two, the smaller Apple MagSafe that fills my iPhone 13 max pro 40.% and an Anker 633 Magnetic Battery (MagGo), 10,000mAh Foldable Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger, 20W USB-C Power Delivery for iPhone 13/13 Pro / 13 Pro Max / 12/12 Pro and 12 Pro Max (Black) which is heavier that the Apple but packs a lot more power, especially useful for that inefficient (50%) wireless transfer., though it also offers USB-C out at 20W for when I need to be frugal, and have bothered to pack the cable.
If you simply sneak a peak every once in a while, which is how I’ve tended to use gps, power is less if an issue, but continuous navigation uses a bunch from what I’ve seen. Then backup power of some sort is prudent.
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swiftdream
Trail Wise!
the Great Southwest Unbound
Posts: 569
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Post by swiftdream on Jun 21, 2022 17:42:02 GMT -8
I’ve used gps since 1993 and have had a Garmin unit since 2004. For the last 6 years it’s been a plus sized iPhones with Gaia first and now Avenza. I have no regrets and will never go back though I’ve not dabbled in recent Garmins. No issues in the mountains and canyons here but my main area of operation is not heavily treed like the Whites.
With various scales of maps from 7.5 minute dedicated hiking quads to maps that show the entire state all active with full zoom and quick navigation to any waypoint I’m happy, even have a few Green Trails maps. Less clutter, bulk and weight, lots of capability.
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ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 10,011 
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Post by ErnieW on Jun 21, 2022 17:43:52 GMT -8
+1 on battery backup. I carry a 10,000 Anker. Also my phone fits into a Zip-lock 1 qt freezer bag nicely. The touch screen works fine through the plastic. I do have special waterproof soft cases for my phone but they are heavier, bulkier and more work to get the phone in/out of. Even if your phone claims to be waterproof the extra protection for something so mission critical may be worth it. You can get short (like 4 inch) cords for the chargers. I carry a multi one. Heavier but I might be able to help others www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HGSVJS1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 |
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,708 
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Post by rebeccad on Jun 21, 2022 22:41:59 GMT -8
I never used a dedicated GPS, but the ones I have seen have a much smaller screen than my phone, making them really hard for me to get much good out of. I’ve been using the Gaia app for the lasts year, and like it a lot. Pay for membership and download the maps for off-line use and you don’t have to worry about getting a signal. My 1.5-year-old iPhone 11 pro can track all day, while taking photos and making frequent route checks, and if wi-fi is off and phone in airplane mode I’ll still have better than 1/2 a battery. For multi-night use I only turn it on and check if I really need the locator feature—otherwise, I stick with paper maps.
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ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 10,011
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Post by ErnieW on Jun 22, 2022 4:10:49 GMT -8
For me Avenza maps has lots of free maps of the area (metro NY) parks and well as paid ones for most NE places I go. Free to download and use the app. I also use CalTopo. Mostly for trip planning. I can print maps for taking along as a backup for on the trail and for leaving with my spouse for possible rescue reasons. I like I can use my browser for planning of a real screen then can also use the phone app if need be. It's what I use for altitude profiles.
Both have offline modes so they work without a cell signal if you set that up before signal loss.
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BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,990
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Post by BigLoad on Jun 22, 2022 8:24:32 GMT -8
I never used a dedicated GPS, but the ones I have seen have a much smaller screen than my phone, making them really hard for me to get much good out of. Yes, the tradeoff is map area vs. accuracy and sensitivity. A phone has better map area, a good dedicated GPS will do better where there is multipath or poor link margin. |
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Post by leadbelly on Jun 27, 2022 7:55:13 GMT -8
appreciate your comments. I hike with a 16,000 mAh battery, keeps the phone (aka primary camera) and kindle happy.
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